1989 Mercedes-Benz 190 vs. 1979 Volvo 260
To start off, 1989 Mercedes-Benz 190 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Volvo 260. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Volvo 260 would be higher. At 2,664 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 Volvo 260 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Mercedes-Benz 190 (192 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 1979 Volvo 260. (146 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Mercedes-Benz 190 should accelerate faster than 1979 Volvo 260. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Volvo 260 weights approximately 50 kg more than 1989 Mercedes-Benz 190.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1989 Mercedes-Benz 190 (235 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Volvo 260. (218 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1989 Mercedes-Benz 190 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Volvo 260.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Mercedes-Benz 190 | 1979 Volvo 260 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volvo |
| Model | 190 | 260 |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2463 cc | 2664 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 192 HP | 146 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 235 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2660 mm |
